COUNTRY & REGIONS GUIDE

Choose General Information on Country here That's New Zealand! Geography Flora & Fauna The Kiwi , the Kiwi, the kiwi and the kiwi Climate When to go History People & Population Language Time Zones Economy & Industries Government Passports & Visas Entry Formalities Health Requirements Customs Restrictions International Departure Tax Currency National Holidays Activities & Attractions Shopping Hours & Duty Free Shopping Tipping Electricity & Water

That's New Zealand!

New Zealand is not a large country by area; yet the nation contains a diverse range of landscapes and climatic conditions. In just a few kilometres, you can travel from the snowfields of the Southern Alps to the rolling surf of the blue Pacific Ocean. This variety of natural attractions and activities justifies a longer holiday than may normally be appropriate to a similar sized country.

The country's smallness in size and population is one of its greatest assets and is a paradise of green fields, pristine native forests and tranquil mountain lakes, with wilderness areas which are totally uncrowded and free of pollution. Yet, the major cities offer a wide variety of quality urban attractions and entertainment. The people are another great asset, they are warm and friendly and their natural affinity with their surroundings is reflected in basic values of lifestyles not seen anywhere else in the world.

Geography

New Zealand is situated in the South Pacific Ocean, between latitude 34'S and 47'S. The country runs roughly north-south with mountain ranges down much of its length. Made up of two major islands, New Zealand covers an area of 266,200 square kilometres or 103,735 square miles and is about the same size of Japan and California and slightly larger than Great Britain. New Zealand is a three and a half hour flight from the Eastern Seaboard of Australia and from the West Coast of the United States of America, a direct flight to New Zealand is 12 hours. Places on the Pacific Rim, such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo, a flight take about 10 hours.

New Zealand's awesome landscapes, lush forests, amazing wildlife and pleasant climate make it a haven for many outdoor activities, and a great place to unwind. New Zealand society is diverse, sophisticated, and multicultural, and the honesty, friendliness, and openness of Kiwis will impress. The great advantage of New Zealand is that all of its diverse physical, cultural, and artistic landscapes are so close to each other! The two major islands have some of the most magnificent natural features in the world, from the towering walls of majestic fjords, lush rain forests, tussock country and spectacular mountain and lake scenery of the South Island to the lush pasturelands, volcanic plateau and beautiful harbours of the subtropical North Island.

Flora & Fauna

New Zealand's separation from other land masses for more than 100 million years has allowed many ancient plants and animals to survive and evolve in isolation. Complimenting this unique flora and fauna is a landscape that contains an unrivalled variety of landforms, from mountain ranges to sandy beaches and from lush rainforests to glaciers and fjords and active volcanoes.

In spite of around of native bush clearance by humans over the last 1,000 years, about a quarter of the country, mostly in high-country areas still remains forested. Most of these remaining areas are protected from exploitation in national and forest parks, where they can be enjoyed by all.

The characteristic New Zealand forest is a temperate, evergreen rain forest with giant tree ferns, vines and epiphytes, looking a bit like the popular image of a jungle. The giant kauri, among the largest trees in the world, is now restricted to relatively small forest pockets in Northland and on the Coromandel Peninsula.

New Zealand is a land of unique birds. The best known is the kiwi, New Zealand's unofficial national symbol. Also flightless are the weka and the endangered kakapo, the world's largest parrot which, at a pinch, is just able to scramble up into shrubs and small trees.
Another unique bird, one capable of flight, is the inquisitive kea, which is renowned for its fearlessness of humans and its cheeky personality.

The Kiwi , the Kiwi, the kiwi and the kiwi

New Zealand's first settlers, the Maori, named the kiwi bird for the sound of its chirp - kiwi, kiwi, kiwi! This flightless bird, about the size of a domestic hen, has an extremely long beak and plumage more like hair than feathers. New Zealanders have adopted this nocturnal, flightless and endearing creature as their national emblem.

Referring to New Zealanders as Kiwis probably dates back to the First World War, when New Zealand soldiers acquired this nickname. Also, in the international financial markets, the New Zealand dollar, the basic currency unit, is frequently called the Kiwi and the one dollar coin features a kiwi bird on one side.

But, perhaps the best-known kiwi is the delicious kiwifruit which actually originated in China, although kiwifruit have been grown in New Zealand domestic gardens for decades as Chinese gooseberries. However, when enterprising New Zealand farmers began propagating the fruit intensively for export, it was given the name kiwifruit and has achieved worldwide fame.

Climate

New Zealand has a particularly clear, unpolluted atmosphere with daylight ranging from 12-14 hours in summer and down to 8 hours in winter. Seasons are the reverse of those in the Northern Hemisphere, with it being warm from October through to April and cooler from May through to September.

When To Go

They say the best time to travel to New Zealand is between the months of September and April, with it being warmest from November until April. The busiest time though is from mid-December (including Christmas) through to the end of January and then again over Easter, during local school holidays. It is recommended that during these peak periods, any accommodation or local transportation that may be required, is booked well in advance to avoid any disappointment.

The weather is warm either before or after these busiest periods and it may therefore be a better idea to consider a visit during these times, as there will not be as many other people around then either. But the weather is never so bad, that it would spoil a holiday at any time of the year, as there are so many things to see and do year-round, whatever the condition of the weather. Of course, for anyone looking to ski in the Southern Alps, the conditions are better and the resorts busier during the (Southern Hemisphere) winter months.

History

In the geological sense, New Zealand has had a colourful past. The ice age carved the exquisite fretwork of Fiordland and the Marlborough Sounds, huge tectonic forces pushed up the Southern Alps and volcanism on a fearsome scale shaped (and continues to shape) much of the North Island. The result of all this action is a most incredible array of scenery and a landscape that is filled with interest and excitement. Although New Zealand is a relatively young country, it has a rich and fascinating history, reflecting both its Maori and European heritage. Amazing Maori historic sites and taonga (treasures), some dating back almost a thousand years, are a contrast to many beautiful colonial buildings. A walk around any New Zealand city today shows what a culturally diverse and fascinating country it has become.

Maori were the first inhabitants of New Zealand or Aotearoa (meaning 'Land of the Long White Cloud') as it is know in the Maori language. After arriving from their ancestral Polynesian homeland of Hawaiki, probably about 1,000 years ago, they set up a thriving society based on the iwi or tribe, which flourished for hundreds of years. According to Maori, the first explorer to reach New Zealand was Kupe. Using the stars and ocean currents as his navigational guides, he ventured across the Pacific on his waka hourua (voyaging canoe) from his ancestral Polynesian homeland of Hawaiki. It is thought that Kupe made landfall at the Hokianga Harbour in Northland, around 1,000 years ago.

Hawaiki will not be found on any map, but it is believed Maori came from an island or group of islands in Polynesia in the South Pacific Ocean. It is not known exactly which place, but there are distinct similarities between the Maori language and culture, and others of Polynesia including the Cook Islands, Hawaii, and Tahiti. It is now thought that Polynesian migration was planned and deliberate, with many waka hourua making return journeys to Hawaiki. Modern replicas of waka hourua, such as Te Aurere, have successfully journeyed throughout the Pacific, using traditional navigation methods. More waka hourua followed Kupe over the next few hundred years, landing at various parts of New Zealand. Today, many iwi (tribes) can trace their entire origins and whakapapa (genealogy) back to certain waka hourua.

Though a Dutchman was the first European to sight the country, it was the British who colonised New Zealand. With growing numbers of British migrants, and a dwindling and largely landless Maori population, British culture dominated New Zealand life throughout the 19th and first half of the 20th centuries. However, since World War II, New Zealand has moved towards its own unique national identity and place in the world. The first European to sight New Zealand was Dutch explorer Abel Tasman, he was on an expedition to discover a great Southern continent "Great South Land" that was believed to be rich in minerals.

In 1642, while searching for this continent, Tasman sighted a large high-lying land off the West Coast of the South Island. First to discover New Zealand in 1642, Abel Tasman annexed the country for Holland under the name of 'Staten Landt' which was later changed to New Zealand by Dutch mapmakers. Sailing up the country's West Coast, Tasman's first contact with Maori was at the top of the South Island in what is now called Golden Bay. Two waka (canoes) full of Maori men sighted Tasman's boat and Tasman sent out his men in a small boat, but various misunderstandings saw it rammed by one of the waka, resulting in a skirmish and four of Tasman's men were killed.

When the British began colonising, New Zealand was originally seen as an offshoot of Australian enterprise in whaling and sealing and in fact, from 1839 to 1841 the country was placed under the jurisdiction of New South Wales. However, increased European settlement soon proved problematic and a policy was urgently required regarding land deals between the settlers (Pakeha) and the Maori.

Signed in 1840, the Treaty of Waitangi was an agreement between the British Crown and Maori. It established British law in New Zealand, while at the same time guaranteed Maori authority over their land and culture and today the Treaty is considered as New Zealand's founding document. But relations between the Maori and Pakeha soon went sour, as the Maoris became increasingly wary by the effect the Pakeha were having on their society. As the Pakeha hardly took notice of Maori rights outlined in the treaty, war broke out between them in 1860, continuing on for much of the decade, before the Maori were defeated and by the end of the 19th century, things had temporarily calmed down.

Although the first New Zealanders, the Maori, migrated there from their ancestral Polynesian homeland of Hawaiki, this being followed about 800 years later by extensive European migration, the influence of Pacific Island and Asian immigrants during the 20th century has helped shape New Zealand today, into an even more vibrant and diverse multicultural society. The last 15 years have seen considerable migration to New Zealand from Asia, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Korea, and Japan. These migrants have greatly contributed to the New Zealand economy, particularly in the areas of business and the professions and most New Zealand cities now have many Asian restaurants and shops.

People & Population

New Zealanders have a unique and dynamic culture, with European, Maori, Pacific and Asian influences. It is a culture that celebrates the many different lifestyles that they live, and the stories that they have to tell. New Zealand is an independent nation and a member of the British Commonwealth. It has a diverse multi-cultural population of around 3.8 million people. The majority of New Zealanders are of British descent, which make up about 70% and the largest minority is New Zealand's indigenous Maori who make up around 14% percent of the population. Other Europeans make up about 5%, Pacific Islander about 4% and Asians and others about 7%.

The Maori population is now increasing faster than that of any the Pakeha (other New Zealanders) and with the resurgence in Maoritanga or Maori culture, it has had a major and lasting impact on New Zealand society. Culturally, the most heartening aspect had been the mending of relations between the Maori and Pakeha, in 1985, the Treaty of Waitangi was overhauled, which led to financial reparations to a number of Maori tribes whose land had been unjustly confiscated. However, a recent attempt by the New Zealand government to offer financial reparations has resulted in an upsurge of militant Maori protests and this disharmony has shocked many New Zealanders and again placed national conciliation at the top of the political agenda. While race relations are once again stable, the issue remains of crucial importance.

Language

English is the common language throughout New Zealand, although Maori is also an official language of increasing importance.

Time Zones

New Zealand is 12 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time. Daylight saving is observed usually from October through to late March.

Economy & Industries

Major economic restructuring has been accomplished since 1984, moving from an agrarian economy, toward a more industrialised, free market economy that can compete globally. This dynamic growth has boosted real incomes, broadened and deepened the technological capabilities of the industrial sector, and contained inflationary pressures, remaining among the lowest in the industrial world.

New Zealand's heavy dependence on trade leaves its growth prospects vulnerable to economic performance in Asia, Europe, and North America. Farming and agriculture as well as tourism are the major industry export earners for the New Zealand economy, with much diversification having taken place over recent years which has resulted in New Zealand obtaining export awards for many new and innovative industries.

Government

The capital city of New Zealand is Wellington and this is where the seat of Government is held. New Zealand is a fully democratic society currently governed by an elected Coalition Government involving members of more than one party. Elections occur every three years.

Passports & Visas

All visitors entering New Zealand must be in possession of a valid passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you intend to leave the country, with the appropriate visa and/or endorsement if required.

A visa or permit is not required to visit New Zealand if you are:

• A New Zealand citizen or Resident Permit holder
• An Australian citizen travelling on an Australian passport
• An Australian resident with a current Australian resident return visa
• A citizen of a country which has a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand

Currently travellers from more than 50 countries do not require a Visitor's Visa for stays less than 3 months. You do require:

• A passport that is valid for at least 3 months after your departure from New Zealand
• An onward or return ticket to a country that you have permission to enter
• Sufficient money to support yourself during your stay which is approximately NZD $1000 per person, per month

To find out if your country qualifies for a visa waiver, check out the  Visiting New Zealand section of the New Zealand  Immigration Service web site. You'll find a list of all eligible countries and other useful visa information. Your travel agent, airline or nearest New Zealand Embassy will also be able to advise you if you require a visa.

If your country is not on the visa waiver list or you wish to stay longer than 3 months you will need to apply for a Visitor's Visa. You can download  application forms from the New Zealand  Immigration Service web site, or contact your nearest New Zealand Embassy.

Entry Formalities

Upon arrival in New Zealand, visitors will be asked to produce their passport and visa, a completed incoming passenger card (issued on aircraft/ship) and return or onward passage ticket.  The entry and departure of visitors (including to or from Australia) is subject to immigration controls.

Health Requirements

Unless visitors have come from, or visited a yellow fever infected country or zone within 6 days prior to arrival, vaccinations are not required.  However it is important to check with health officials or the nearest New Zealand consulate or embassy to check on vaccination requirements in the event that any of these conditions may have changed.

Customs Restrictions

There are stringent regulations which virtually ban the importation of plants and certain fruits, vegetables and animal products. Heavy fines are imposed if these restrictions are disregarded.

International Departure Tax

All  passengers departing New Zealand on an international flight from either Auckland or Wellington will be levied with a Departure Tax. This tax applies to passengers over 12 years.

Currency

New Zealand currency is decimal with the dollar as the basic unit, with 100 cents equalling one dollar. Denominations are as follows:

                                Notes: - $5, $10, $20, $50, $100

                                Coins:   $1, $2, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c

Foreign currency and travellers cheques can be easily exchanged at any trading bank or hotel, there are ATM teller machines on most banking locations and all major credit cards are accepted throughout the country.

Banking hours: Monday to Friday 09h00 until 16h30 with airport banks being open at extended hours and usually upon arrival and departure of all international flights.

National Holidays

Activities & Attractions

New Zealand's spectacular and varied natural environment, as well as its friendly and adventurous people, provides excellent opportunities to participate in a huge range of sightseeing, cultural, and outdoor activities. Would you like to test your nerve against the stretch of a bungy cord? Are you keen to try 'zorbing'? Or are art galleries, wine tasting and casinos more your style? As you can see there is so much to do and to see in New Zealand, the questions is though, will you have enough time to do them all?

On land New Zealand offer a huge range of outdoor activities from the thrill of abseiling to gentle hikes through scenic native bush and from the adventures of caving and to skiing and snowboarding in the Southern Alps. As a water-lover's paradise, New Zealand's beaches, lakes and rivers provide some of the most exciting kayaking, surfing, jet boating, fishing and sailing in the world. In the air there is hot air ballooning, skydiving, parapenting and gliding are all popular activities and there is also a huge range of flightseeing opportunities to be found in New Zealand too

Spectacular geysers, beautifully maintained gardens, zoos, casinos, and excellent boutique wineries are just some of the attractions that you can enjoy in New Zealand. There is an abundance of fascinating native wildlife, including kiwi, tuatara, rare dolphins, penguins, and a huge range of native birds and to top it all, New Zealand has an increasingly lively and multicultural arts scene and as well as enjoying the unique Maori culture, you can also check out a variety of museums, art galleries, theatre, music, and dance.

Events

New Zealand has a huge variety of annual festivals, concerts, shows and events. From large-scale productions to small local occasions. Art Deco, fine food and wine, Pacific culture, jazz or the joys of spring, whatever the excuse, its cause for a celebration! Here are just a few examples.

Shopping Hours & Duty Free Shopping

Normal shopping hours are:

Late night shopping until 21h00 is available on either Thursdays or Fridays depending on the area and in some resort and city areas, shops are open seven days a week and with extended hours. Airport duty free stores are open for all overseas flight departures and some airport stores are even open for passengers on incoming flights too. Duty free stores will accept foreign currency in all main cities and at the airport during normal business hours.

Tipping

The practice of tipping is optional amongst visitors to New Zealand and is purely voluntary.

Electricity & Water

The electrical current is 220/240 volts accepting 3-pin plugs. Universal outlets for 240 volt or 110 volt shavers are usually found at airport, specialised shops and in leading hotels. At most times tap water is safe to drink through the country. However water restrictions may be applied following adverse weather conditions such as flooding and visitors should check with their hotel and/or motel receptions with regard to this.